Very few Des Moines homeowners live in low-slope (flat roof) homes. Most of us pride ourselves on the beauty of our home’s roofs — how the color, style, and material harmonize or complement our houses. Selecting a new roof is a big decision. The wrong color, shingle pattern or thickness can be a mistake you have to live with for years. Take your time considering the right residential shingle for your home.

Roofing 101

When considering any type of residential roofing material, talk to your trusted local roofer about these topics:

  • Warranties — Not all manufacturers offer the same warranties or even the same level of warranties. The different price points of shingles generally have stronger warranties the higher the cost. Ask about manufacturers’ warranties which include contractor installation coverage
  • Materials advantages — How do polymers compare to fiberglass-asphalt? Are clay tiles as durable and flexible as asphalt shingles?
  • Longevity — Which roofing material typically lasts the longest in the Des Moines environment? How do winters affect a roof’s lifespan? Does one roofing product have better resiliency to freeze-and-thaw cycles than another?

Your home is your largest single lifetime investment. Spend the time and money necessary to protect your home with the best roof you can afford.

Your friendly roofing contractor can also advise you on financing, the best time of year to schedule a new shingle roof, and the process of removing your old roof. Discuss with any prospective roofer how the shingle lines offered very. One may be more economical and another more durable than yet another manufacturer brand line. Do not be afraid to ask for documentation for claims, such as copies of actual manufacturers’ warranties, testimonials from previous customers, and evidence of licensing and certifications.

Asphalt Shingles

Fiberglass-asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in North America. Their appeal lies in several attributes:

  • Affordability
  • Color choice
  • Design range
  • Ease of installation

As with any building material or furnishing, manufacturers provide various grades of quality to balance economy, durability, and beauty. The more you are able to pay, the more options you have in a durable, attractive shingle.

Three major, international manufacturers hold most of the market in North America:

  1. GAF
  2. Owens Corning
  3. CertainTeed

Each company provides a range of products arranged by price point, with the higher-end shingles providing the strongest warranties. All product lines include a veritable rainbow of color options.

GAF

When you combine the strength of GAF shingles with a GAF Master Select roofer for installation, you can rest assured knowing your home is fully protected. GAF shingles are part of a complete system of roofing protection. It starts with roof deck waterproofing and leak barriers, continues to starter shingles, hip and ridge shingles, ventilation and attic vents, and finishes with handsome and durable roof shingles.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning designates only a few contractors as Platinum Preferred Contractors, capable of offering the longest, strongest warranties. Few manufacturers offer the color range Owens Corning has, from inky dark tones to very light tints. The company also features a wide array of shingle styles from country rustic to sophisticated architectural shingles.

CertainTeed

Working with a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster means you will receive the manufacturer’s full backing on installation and warranties. CertainTeed offers a complete line of shingles at various price-points, such as Landmark® and Patriot Shingles. They also have metal roofing, solar systems, and other exterior products to transform your Des Moines home into an energy-efficient showpiece.

Composite Shingles

The fiberglass-asphalt shingle dates back to the 18th century. Composite shingles take advantage of modern materials science to create extremely realistic looks, using resins and polymers, for the traditional materials:

  • Shingle
  • Shake
  • Slate

Composite shingles from DaVinci Roofscapes can fool anyone’s eye into seeing a luxurious, Old-World slate roof on your home when in reality lightweight plastics cap your house.

Tile

An alternative to shingles is tile. Traditional clay tile is actually a centuries-old solution to roofing, and with the right architectural style, it can be a beautiful addition to your Des Moines-area home.

Ludowici Roof Tiles are available in many shapes:

  • Barrel tiles
  • Interlocking flat tiles
  • Shingles
  • Shakes
  • Graduated and tapered tiles for curved roofs

You may think clay tile is not durable. In normal circumstances, clay roof tiles can last for decades. They require special care during installation and repair to avoid cracking, but tiles can withstand all types of weather, wind, and harsh sunlight.

No matter the architectural style of your Des Moines-area home, you will find a suitable shingle roofing material to complement it. More important than a particular manufacturer for shingles is the Des Moines roofer you choose since a quality roof depends entirely on quality installation. Contact VanWeelden Company today to learn how a shingle roof can perfectly cap your home.

Read More: How We Raise The Roof With Excellent Customer Service